We had the pleasure of partially hosting the Risers 4 Rett Spring Fly Fishing Tournament on April 27–28, 2024, right here at Harmels on the Taylor. Not only was it a weekend filled with fun, friendship, and impressive catches—it was also a tremendous success for a wonderful cause.
Risers 4 Rett has been hosting fly fishing tournaments for a decade, raising awareness and funds for the Rett Clinic at Children’s Hospital Colorado. This spring, 28 teams gathered in Almont and the surrounding Gunnison Valley to compete in a friendly but fierce contest. Together, the tournament raised an incredible $186,000, bringing organizers closer to their annual fundraising goal of $550,000.
While there were no overall tournament winners from our stretch of the river, Harmels on the Taylor certainly made a splash in the record books:
Caught by Hennie Van Niekerk with our guide, John Evon
Caught by Brandon Bell with our guide John Evon
We couldn’t be prouder of these anglers (and our guide!) for reeling in such beautiful trout. Congratulations to Hennie and Brandon for snagging the biggest catches of the weekend at Harmels.
This year marked a special milestone for Risers 4 Rett—their 10th anniversary. Pioneers of the organization, Orlin Camerlo and Tim Moore, were both in attendance. Tim presented Orlin with a well-deserved award, recognizing his visionary efforts that helped establish this annual fundraiser a decade ago.
Of course, the tournament was about more than just the fishing. Live music from Shawn Nelson and Kory Montgomery kept spirits high, while The Almont Resort team served up a feast, including smoked salmon, ribs, and brisket. The margarita machine—expertly managed by Steve Riddle and Jon Volek—proved to be a fan favorite. Between the reels, meals, music, and merriment, there was no shortage of good vibes and great company.
With the spring leg of the competition wrapped up, Risers 4 Rett is already gearing up for their Fall Tournament. If you missed out on the action this time, there’s still a chance to cast your line for a meaningful cause. Head over to the Risers 4 Rett Fall Tournament page to learn more about how you can participate, volunteer, or show your support.
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, sponsors, and volunteers who made the 2024 Spring Tournament an unforgettable event. Hosting part of this tournament is always a highlight for us here at Harmels. We’re thrilled we could contribute to the success of Risers 4 Rett and look forward to more memorable moments on the river.
Stay tuned for more updates and fishing stories from Harmels on the Taylor—and be sure to mark your calendars for the fall. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another incredible tournament and continue reeling in hope for Rett families everywhere. Until then, tight lines and happy fishing!
